Arsenal to learn this morning extent of Van Persie injury

The Holland striker suffered the damage during the friendly against Italy on Saturday after a strong challenge by Giorgio Chiellini, with a scan last night confirming several ligaments have been ruptured.

Arsenal will not comment on the severity of the injury until Van Persie has been examined by their medical staff this afternoon, but there appears little prospect of him playing again this year, says The Times.

"It does not look too good, as the ankle ligaments are definitely torn," the Dutch FA said last night. "After the match our medical staff did not mention a break in the bone, but the doctors will be able to tell us for sure."